Wet-folding has many advantages over dry-folding. Besides expressive shaping, wet-folding preserves the integrity of the fibers in your paper (dry-folding breaks and weakens them!). Wet-folding allows you to use many more kinds of papers for origami, including heavy paperboard. Michael LaFosse is known for the expressiveness of his models, which he often achieves through wet-folding.
Michael will teach you the basics of "Full Sheet" wet-folding. We shall warm up by first folding the Maple Leaf, a fine symbol of the autumn season. We shall then fold the Sea Lion and apply what we have learned in our warm-up. The diagrams for this Sea Lion are found in the 2021 PCOC diagram book and in our recent kit, "Origami Endangered Animals" —Tuttle Publishing. It may be helpful for you to practice dry-folding the Sea Lion before our lesson—rehearsal before wet-folding any project will produce better results!
Maple Leaf: Solid-color paper 10 to 15 cm square (4 to 6-inches square). Any color you like for an autumn maple leaf. "TANT" is ideal, but you may use any similar paper. Ordinary origami paper is acceptable if you must.
Sea Lion: "TANT" will be ideal, but you may use any similar paper, (not heavier than 110 gsm) and in any color you like. Your paper should measure 20 to 30 cm square (8 to 12-inch).
Tools: Paper towels, Water (a spray bottle or a cup), a Bamboo Skewer, or a thin Knitting Needle. A pair of pointed tweezers will be helpful but not essential.